One of the biggest problems for many video shooters is getting decent audio in the camera. The in-camera mics in most cameras aren’t exactly great, and so you need to go external. Sennheiser’s XSW-D range makes getting external audio into your camera easy, and it does it wirelessly over 2.4Ghz. We spoke to Sennhesier at IBC 2019 to find out more.
The XSW-D range is designed to work as simply and quickly as possible. The “W-D” part of the name stands for “Wireless Digital”. It uses 2.4Ghz frequencies for worldwide legal operation, offering a range of up to 75 metres. You can switch between multiple transmitters from a single linked receiver with mute capability available at either the transmitter or receiver end.
As with just about any wireless mic system, a transmitter and receiver are involved. The transmitter is hooked up to the microphone and stays with the talent while the receiver is plugged into the camera. The receiver can be paired up with several transmitters, allowing you to switch between them at will, although it can only receive from one of them at a time. These transmitters and receivers are pretty small, too. Even the XLR transmitter is rather tiny, allowing you to use them without them taking up too much space in your bags or getting in the way while shooting. There are various sets and configuration options in the Sennheiser XSW-D range, and you can find out more about them on the Sennheiser website and buy them all here. – We are giving away over $5,000 of cinema gear here.DIYP’s coverage of IBC2019 is sponsored by Syrp, Manfrotto, Zhiyun, and Spiffy Gear.
